Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 5

Written Answers. - Third Level Grants.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

118 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to concern regarding delays and inefficiencies in the operation of the third level grant schemes; and his views on the establishment of a single grant authority in order to streamline this scheme. [21479/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

The Department of Education and Science funds four maintenance grant schemes for third level and further education students: higher education grants scheme; vocational education committees' scholarships scheme; third level maintenance grants scheme for trainees; and European social fund-aided maintenance grants scheme for students attending post leaving certificate courses.

The higher education grants scheme is administered by the local authorities. The other three schemes are administered by the vocational education committees.

While I accept that the operation of the schemes can be improved, delays in processing applications in many cases arise where the administering body is awaiting further information from applicants or where applications have been accepted after the closing date for their receipt.

Officials of my Department have been engaged with officials of the Department of Social, Com munity and Family Affairs on the options for the future administration of these schemes. Terms of reference for a detailed review of the administration of the schemes are currently being finalised between my officials and officials in the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs.

The Deputy will appreciate that there are major implications, for example, for the local authorities and vocational education committees, in any proposals to change the administration of the schemes. It is my intention, therefore, that there will be full consultation with all interested parties and I have previously indicated that no irrevocable decisions will be taken in relation to any future arrangements prior to such consultation taking place.